10 Best Knife Blocks for Your Knife Collection

Knife blocks are an excellent way to keep your knives organized and in top-notch shape. Finding the best knife block for your home can be difficult, so I’ll share a couple of my favorite options below and answer some common questions about knife storage solutions.

My Top 3 Knife Blocks

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block without Knives, 20 Slot Universal Knife Holder Countertop...	No ratings yet	$26.99	Buy Now
	In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block Holds 12 Knives (Not Included) Without Pointing Up PLUS a Slot for your...	No ratings yet	$27.74	Buy Now
	HENCKELS Hardwood Knife Block, Knife Storage, 11-slot	No ratings yet	$42.00 $29.95	Buy Now

Best Knife Blocks For 2024

As someone who cooks often, I’m constantly relying on my trusty knife set to help me prepare a variety of dishes. I’ve learned over the years that a knife’s performance isn’t so much about the blade itself. The effort you put into cleaning and maintaining your knife is far more important.

While sharpening your knives is important, storing your knife collection will help them last years longer. Utensil drawers can be convenient, but they are unsafe for sharp kitchen and chef knives. Your knives can also be damaged and the blades dulled when stored in an overcrowded utensil drawer.

The solution is to store your knife collection in a knife block. Here are my top picks for knife blocks currently on the market.

1. Cook N Home NC-00326 Bamboo Knife Storage Block

This elegant storage block is equipped with 19 slots to store your entire knife collection with no trouble at all. The block is about 5 inches wide and 10 inches long.

I love how the block is 9-inches deep— It is definitely able to handle the bulk of my tools! The durable block is made out of sturdy, natural bamboo allowing this storage option to last for years to come.

Pros:

• Sleek, natural bamboo design
• 9 inch deep slots for a variety of tools
• Varied slot sizes
• Two-tiered block
• Extra sturdy

Cons:

• May not store longer blades effectively

2. In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block Holds 12 Knives

Are you worried about a stand-up knife block taking too much counter space? You’re sure to love this drawer knife block insert that stores up to 12 knives without having to rest on the counter.

The in-drawer block is 17 inches long allowing you to fit most blades. Its made of beautiful, natural bamboo that is sure to look excellent in your drawer. Plus, in-drawer knife blocks are great as they allow you to see your full blades with just a quick glance.

Pros:

• Fits in a drawer for easy storage
• Natural bamboo construction
• Extra-long to accommodate longer blades
• Great organizational tool

Cons:

• May not fit in all drawers due to large size

3. J.A. Henckels International 35102-112 Hardwood Knife Block

If you are looking for a more compact solution, check out this neat 11 slot knife block. The knife block features deep 16 inch slots leaving space for scissors and sharpening steel.

It runs just 5 inches long, making it a great pick for smaller spaces. Best of all, this knife block comes in your choice of 6 different colors to match your kitchen’s unique style.

Pros:

• Ideal 16-inch deep size
• Compact construction
• Color options
• Modest price point

Cons:

• Not as many slot sizes as other blocks

4. Mantello 2 Tier Universal Wood Knife Block Knife Holder Storage Organizer

For a universal knife block option, check out this one from Mantello. The 2-tiered knife organizer fits blades up to 8 inches long and won’t dull or chip your knives.

I love that the flex rods are removable and dishwasher safe, making this a great pick to use over the years. This organizer runs about 5 inches long and 9 inches tall.

Pros:

• Won’t chip blades
• Removable flex rods
• Quality construction
• Fits to your knives

Cons:

• Won’t accommodate larger blades

5. Evolve Bamboo Knife Block

For a universal knife block with a classy, natural appearance, you can’t get much better than this excellent pick by Evolve. The knife block can comfortable hold up to 16 knives, making it the perfect pick for serious chefs.

I love that the rods are BPA free. Plus, this block has added side storage compartments perfect for storing other handy tools. The knife block holds blades up to 8 inches long and runs about 8 inches wide on the counter.

Pros:

• Natural bamboo appearance
• Holds up to 20 knives and includes side compartments
• BPA free knife rods plus two knife sharpeners
• Perfect for larger knife collections

Cons:

• The block can fall over if it is holding to many knives. A solution is to stand your knives up straight and store your smaller knives in the side compartments
• The knives need to stand straight so its best housing this block on a kitchen bench rather than storing it in a cabinet

6. Kitchen Seven Bamboo Universal Knife Block

This knife block is unique in that it has a built-in sharpener making this a great all-in-one knife care station. I love using the sharpener to spruce up my stainless steel knives, and the universal knife block itself holds up to 16 knives at once.

The sleek bamboo appearance is perfect for any kitchen and the compact unit runs about 7 inches long. This is an excellent solution for knife owners who may not have a sharpener at home.

Pros:

• Built-in knife sharpener
• Universal knife block
• Compact unit
• Plastic rods won’t chip knives

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger knives

7. Wusthof 17-Slot Acacia Knife Block

Wusthof is known for producing quality products, and this beautiful Acacia wood knife block is no exception. The block holds 17 knives at once and is made with eco-friendly bacteria resistant wood.

I love that this block has two different tiers to separate the larger and smaller blades. The bottom of the block is equipped with non-skid feet to ensure that the block stays firm and safe on your kitchen counter. The block runs about 9 inches tall and 11 inches longs.

Pros:

• Super sturdy construction
• Bacteria-resistant wood
• Non-skid feet to prevent slippage
• Two-tiered organization

Cons:

• May be too large depending on the user’s available kitchen space

8. Mantello XL Universal Bamboo Wood Knife Block Storage Holder Organizer

This universal knife block organizer is ideal for smaller blades under 8 inches or steak/pairing knives. The included flex rods won’t dull or chip your blades and can be removed for easy cleanup.

Notably, this organizer is only about 8 inches long making it a perfect pick for smaller spaces. The neutral bamboo wood fits well in a variety of style environments and is sure to stand the test of time.

Pros:

• Perfect for smaller knives
• Universal knife organizer
• Won’t chip your blades
• Neutral bamboo design

Cons:

• You cannot fit a full knife set in this organizer alone

9. Hiware Stainless Steel Universal Knife Block

For a unique, chic knife block, check out this universal round knife holder by Hiware. The modestly priced knife holder is designed to hold up to 12 knives at once and is equipped with a unique wave top design.

I love that I can way the full block directly underwater, making this knife block incredibly easy to clean. Notably, the 5-inch organizer has a weighted bottom to ensure it stays sturdy while resting on your counter.

Pros:

• Unique design
• Weighted bottom for added sturdiness
• Easy to clean
• Great space saver

Cons:

• Compact solution can only hold a couple of knives at one time

10. Bamboo Wood Knife Block

This knife block is perfect for serious cooks with its large 20 piece capacity. Notably, this block can support a butcher’s knife with its extra wide and deep slots ranging from 4 to 10 inches deep.

The block is made out of super sturdy bamboo and will stand firm on your counter with the non-skid rubber feet on the bottom of the block. If the large size isn’t enough, this model also comes in an extra-large size for added room.

Pros:

• Large enough slots to support a butcher’s knife
• 20 piece knife capacity
• Made out of sturdy bamboo
• Angled design for easy use

Cons:

• May be unnecessary for users with just a few regular knives

11. Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo in Drawer Knife Block

For a less overt knife organizer, check out this knife block drawer insert. The bamboo organizer is compact measuring less than 6 inches wide.

The organizer can fit up to 16 knives at once and comes with a variety of slot sizes for maximum flexibility. You’re sure to love the flexibility of this knife block, especially for such an affordable price!

Pros:

• In-drawer organization
• Compact solution
• Natural bamboo appearance
• Fits into standard kitchen drawers

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger blades

12. Coninx Magnetic Knife Holder with Powerful Magnet

Looking for a whole other solution entirely? You may want to check out this magnetic knife holder board by Coninx. The unique design won’t chip your blades and is made out of sustainable bamboo.

I love that Coninx backs the holder by a lifetime guarantee, which is a mark of excellent customer service. This elegant knife holder is perfect for keeping your favorite chef’s knives out on display for ease of use.

Pros:

• Unique magnetic design
• Natural bamboo appearance
• Backed by an included warranty
• Runs 21 inches long, perfect for larger blades
• Takes up less surface area than a traditional knife block

Cons:

• May be too long for smaller spaces

What Are The Types Of Knives And Their Uses?

As an authority on knives, the Knife Buzz team pride ourselves on knowing the true ins and outs of every blade that we can get our hands on. However, with so many blades, it can be a lot to keep track of.

That’s why we have created this ultimate knife buying guide for both novices and professionals. This guide covers all types of knives and will you help get the best tools for your needs. We have also provided some general maintenance and safety tips for beginners who are new to the knife world.

Learn more

What’s the Best Way to Store Knives?

So, are knife blocks the only knife storage option? Here is a complete breakdown of all knife storage options so that you can find the best organizational option for your home.

Preset Knife Block

You may be wondering what is a knife block exactly. As it turns out, there are two main types: Preset and Universal.

In this article, the type we cover the most heavily is the preset knife block. This knife block is characterized by having preset slots for different blade lengths. You would usually store these knife blocks on top of a kitchen counter. Preset knife blocks are super sturdy and safe as the blade is protected until the knives are taken out for use.

Universal Knife Block

Universal knife blocks are very similar to the more traditional preset knife block outside of one critical difference— Instead of preset slots, Universal knife blocks have some sort of flexible insert in which blades can be placed, usually made out of some sort of plastic.

The plastic insert may be less likely to chip your blades than an entirely wooden block and some users enjoy the flexibility of arranging their knives more according to preference in comparison to a fixed knife block. Moreover, the plastic inserts can commonly be removed for easy cleanup which also adds to their appeal.

Magnetic Knife Strip

Magnetic knife strips are a whole other storage option outside of knife blocks, but their impressive functionality and unique design makes them worth mentioning. These strips usually rest on a magnetic surface like a fridge or are mounted on the backsplash of a kitchen.

Stainless steel knives are attracted directly to the strip’s magnet, allowing for knives to be stored in air. Magnetic knife strips are great for experienced chefs but could be a safety concern for homes with younger children or when used improperly since the blade is exposed during storage.

In-Drawer Organizer

Another type of knife block is the in-drawer insert. Instead of preserving blades vertically, these knife blocks lay horizontal with preset slots for knives. They are commonly made to fit in kitchen drawers, which makes them perfect for users who want to preserve counter space.

In-drawer organizers can be somewhat limiting since their storage capabilities depend largely on the size of your drawer, but they can also be a super handy option.

Magnetic Knife Board

Magnetic knife boards are similar to magnetic knife strips, just on a board instead of a thin, metal bar. These boards are perfect for users who like to have their knife collections on display or want super easy access to their culinary tools. It should be noted that these boards are compatible largely with only stainless steel knives.

Are Knife Blocks Bad for Knives?

You may be wondering if there are any downsides to using knife blocks. Luckily, there are close to none, but there are a couple of factors you should take into careful consideration.

Bacteria

Knife blocks can harbor harmful bacteria if not used properly. One of the most common ways this can occur is by putting blades back into a block without making sure they are entirely dry.

When washing your blades, make sure you’re paying special attention to the drying process to prevent this from happening as much as possible. You can also look out for bacteria-resistant wood which may help reduce this risk even further.

Dulling Blades

It is possible that a wooden knife block could dull or chip your blade. This is because cheap woods can splinter and chip away themselves, which can easily affect a knife in close proximity.

In this case, make sure you invest in a high-quality knife block and keep up with your block’s unique maintenance routine. For example, many bamboo products stay in their best shape when regularly treated with a special wood oil allowing the storage unit to maintain its top-notch quality.

Overcrowding

Universal knife blocks are great storage units and only really have one glaring drawback that can easily be prevented. Since the storage units are largely flexible, they may be easier to overcrowd which is never a good practice for keeping your knives in the best shape possible.

Overcrowded knives are more likely to get dulled by scraping each other, which is one of the reasons why you should never store your knives unprotected in a crowded utensil drawer.

Do Knife Blocks Hold Bacteria?

One of the most common concerns users have with knife blocks is their ability to hold in bacteria. However, it should be noted that any storage container can harbor bacteria. The prevention focus should be on the knives themselves, not the storage unit.

While enclosed environments (like the slots of a knife block) may make it easier for harmful bacteria to fester, it won’t spontaneously generate on its own. That being said, it is especially important that you put your knives back fully clean and dry to keep your storage container as clean as possible.

Moreover, double-check for food particles. Left behind food can easily generate harmful bacteria, regardless of how small. Pay special attention to your knives that handle meat, as these foods are more likely to harbor more volatile strands of bacteria. Make sure you’re washing your knives using hot water to kill off any preexisting germs before putting them into your knife block or other storage receptacles.

Where to put a knife block in the kitchen?

Placing your knife block in the proper location of your kitchen is essential to keeping you safe and your knives in excellent condition. Here are a couple of great ideas for storing your knife block.

On the Counter

The most common place to store a traditional knife block is on the kitchen counter. However, you want to ensure that your block is placed against a stable wall and far enough from the edge of the counter so that it will not fall off if accidentally moved a couple of inches.

This is particularly important for households with children or large dogs who may find themselves knocking items off of the counter. As an added security measure, seek out knife blocks that have embedded non-slip feet or padding for the best results.

In the Drawer

Horizontal knife blocks are perfect for keeping your knives organized and out of sight. These knife blocks fit nicely in standard kitchen drawers making them an excellent pick for a variety of homes.

When you have your knife block in the drawer, ensure that the space is not overcrowded. Blades are commonly exposed slightly, however minimal, in these storage drawer inserts, and can become dull if covered or obstructed by too many objects. It may be helpful to use drawer dividers to keep your knives further separated from the other items in the drawer. In general though, with some thoughtful organization, it will do just fine.

On Top of the Fridge

If you have safety concerns or you don’t use a particular knife set all that often, it may be wise to keep it in a high, level area like on top of the fridge. This will no doubt make your knife set less accessible, but for households needing extra safety measures, it may just give you the peace of mind you need to ensure that you and your family are safe in the kitchen.

Caring for Your Knife Block

It turns out that knife blocks should be regularly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen. Here is exactly how you clean the thin slots in your knife block.

1. Empty your knife block fully and place knives on a level, clean surface.

2. Use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment above the knife block to suck out any unnecessary crumbs or particles. In a pinch, you can use a pipe cleaner to gently scoop out any of the particles.

3. Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding care for your specific type of wood. Wood is very sensitive to water, so make sure you prepare accordingly.

4. If necessary, regularly oil your wood with a high-quality oil to keep your block in top-notch shape. There may be some oil recommendations in the manufacturer’s included instructions, or you can research your wood type on the internet.

5. Regularly clean and dry knives thoroughly so that they don’t contaminate your clean knife blocks.

6. In the event that you’re using a universal knife block, double-check to see whether or not the plastic inserts are removable. Oftentimes, the inserts can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for a thorough clean, but double-check just to be sure. When in doubt, just use mild soap and warm water to clean the inside of your knife block. Make sure it is fully dry before returning knives to the storage unit.

Finding the best knife block for your kitchen

Finding the best knife block for you and your needs can certainly be difficult, but it is far from impossible. With options ranging from sturdy preset bamboo organizers to flexible universal knife blocks with removable inserts, the perfect option is out there for everyone.

Hopefully, this article made the search for a great knife block a little easier. Just remember that finding worthwhile kitchen equipment can take even experienced professionals some time to figure out, so make sure you don’t get discouraged if the first knife block you try out doesn’t end up working out. Happy chopping!

Recent Posts

Last update on 2024-07-26 at 12:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.